How to Wrap a Bowed Tendon

A bowed tendon refers to either a sprain or tearing of one or both of the flexor tendons that sit on the back of your horse's lower leg. Properly wrapping a bowed tendon is extremely important in that the injury can be extremely serious to the horse's racing career. While it may seem like a difficult process, it is actually quite simple when you follow the proper instructions.

Things You'll Need

  • Ice
  • Cotton roll
  • Gauze
  • Surgical tape
  • Elastic bandage
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Instructions

    • 1

      Apply ice to the injured leg as soon as possible. Ice will reduce swelling and prevent further damage from occurring in the early stages of the injury. Apply at least 1 inch of padding using the cotton roll over the leg extending from right below the coronary band to just below the knee.

    • 2

      Apply a layer of stretch gauze over the padding to hold it in place using a figure-eight pattern (wrapping around the back of the leg in the shape of the number "8"). Use surgical tape to tape the end of the gauze in place once you have finished wrapping.

    • 3

      Apply the elastic bandage firmly to the leg. Make sure to leave at least enough room for you to slip you pinky in between the horse's leg and the bandage. Begin with a loop directly above the injured area and spiral the bandage down below the coronary band to the base of the hoof. Overlap each length of the bandage by half the band for added stability. Attach the end of the bandage to the rest using surgical tape.